ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesPain Head

Pain Head

ICD-10 Coding for Headache(G44.309, G44.86)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYNeurology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Pain Head?
Essential facts and insights about Headache

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Headache severity and duration
  • Associated symptoms (nausea, photophobia, phonophobia)
  • History of previous headaches or migraines

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history and symptom description
  • Neurological examination results
  • Response to previous treatments

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Follow guidelines for differentiating between migraine and tension-type headaches.
  • Common errors include using the wrong code for headache type or not documenting associated symptoms.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Secondary headaches (e.g., due to trauma or infection)
  • Codes for specific headache types not listed in primary ICD codes

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
R51
Headache
G43
Migraine
G44
Other headache syndromes
Ancillary Codes
S06.0X1A
G44.309
to specify the type of head injury.
Differential Codes
G43.909
G43.909
for migraine symptoms without a clear post-traumatic cause.
G44.2
G44.2
for headaches without cervical spine involvement.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Neurology

Specialty Applications

  • Adults and children with headache disorders
  • Neurology clinics and emergency departments

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the documentation requirements?

Document the type, duration, and severity of headaches, along with any associated symptoms.

What are the billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding based on the specific type of headache and associated symptoms for proper reimbursement.